Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, making him 80 years old. He is an American politician, businessman, and media personality who serves as the 47th president of the United States, having previously served as the 45th president. He is only the second president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century.
Understanding his profile requires looking past basic trivia to examine his upbringing in Queens, his decades as a Manhattan real estate developer, his foray into reality television, and his unprecedented trajectory in national politics.
Early Life and Education
Born in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York, Donald John Trump was the fourth of five children born to Fred Trump, a prominent real estate developer, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. As a teenager, his parents enrolled him in the New York Military Academy after he exhibited behavioral energy and turbulence at local day schools. The structured environment shifted his focus; he became a student leader and athlete before graduating in 1964.
He initially attended Fordham University for two years before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. Working alongside his father during his college summers, he entered the family business full-time upon graduation, shifting focus from residential housing in Brooklyn and Queens to large-scale commercial real estate in Manhattan.
Real Estate and Business Career
Trump took control of his father's company in 1971, eventually renaming it the Trump Organization. During the late 1970s and 1980s, he pursued high-profile developments in Manhattan.
- Trump Tower: Completed in 1983 on Fifth Avenue, this mixed-use skyscraper served as the flagship commercial hub and his personal residence for decades.
- The Commodore Hotel: His first major Manhattan venture involved partnering with Hyatt to renovate the derelict hotel into the Grand Hyatt, launching his reputation as a dealmaker.
- Atlantic City Ventures: During the late 1980s and 1990s, he expanded into casinos, including the Trump Plaza, Trump Castle, and the Taj Mahal, though these properties later encountered severe financial distress and corporate bankruptcies.
Beyond real estate, his commercial footprint expanded into branding, golf course acquisitions, and beauty pageants. By the late 1990s, the Trump name appeared on numerous licensing deals for consumer goods, towers, and home products.
Media Career and The Apprentice
While public appearances on talk shows and cameos in films solidified his celebrity status, his media career reached its peak in 2003 when he became the host and executive producer of The Apprentice on NBC.
The reality competition show featured contestants vying for a management position within his organization. His catchphrase, "You're fired!", became a pop culture staple. He hosted the program for over a decade, alongside a spin-off version, The Celebrity Apprentice, which significantly boosted his public recognition outside of New York real estate circles. He also authored multiple books, most notably The Art of the Deal (1987), which detailed his business strategies and negotiations.
Political Ascent and Presidency
Trump transitioned from a political outsider and occasional party switcher to the leader of the Republican Party. He announced his presidential campaign in June 2015, running on a platform centered on domestic manufacturing, border security, and trade renegotiations.
- First Term (2017–2021): Sweorn in on January 20, 2017, his administration focused on passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, appointing numerous federal judges—including three Supreme Court justices—and renegotiating trade deals like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He faced two impeachments by the House of Representatives (in 2019 and 2021), and was acquitted both times by the Senate.
- Interim Years (2021–2025): After leaving office, he maintained heavy influence over the Republican Party from his base at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, continuously holding rallies and endorsing candidates nationwide.
- Second Term (2025–Present): Following a historic campaign that culminated in victory in the 2024 presidential election, he took the oath of office for a second term on January 20, 2025, becoming the first president in more than a century to secure a non-consecutive return to the White House. Detailed administrative actions, cabinet appointments, and executive policies are tracked via the official White House portal.
Personal Life and Family
Trump has been married three times and has five children. With his first wife, Ivana Zelnickova, he shares three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. With his second wife, Marla Maples, he shares one daughter, Tiffany. In 2005, he married Melania Knauss, with whom he shares a son, Barron. He also has numerous grandchildren. Unlike many public figures, he is a known teetotaler, abstaining entirely from alcohol due to the influence of his late older brother, Fred Jr., who struggled with alcoholism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donald Trump's exact date of birth?
He was born on June 14, 1946.
Which US presidents served non-consecutive terms?
Only two individuals achieved this feat: Grover Cleveland (the 22nd and 24th president) and Donald Trump (the 45th and 47th president). Further historical documentation regarding presidential terms is archived through the Library of Congress.
Did Donald Trump have any military or prior government experience before taking office?
No. When he won his first election in 2016, he became the first US president with no prior military service or elected government experience.
How many children and grandchildren does he have?
He has five children—Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron—alongside numerous grandchildren.
